Editing / Publishing Services

Have you written a book but don’t know what to do with it? Disillusioned by traditional publishing? Independent publishing is no longer marginalized and small press is on the rise. Technology makes it possible to produce beautiful, professional quality books without the support (or intrusion) of a giant corporate publisher.

I’m a published novelist, award-winning graphic novelist, and co-owner of a successful independent theatre company. I have over 20 years experience writing professionally, but I still publish independently when it makes sense to do so. Not every project is right for traditional publishing, and traditional publishing is definitely not right for every book.

Over the years I’ve become an expert in the art of doing it on your own: from editing a draft, to manuscript layout, to cover design, web design and social-media promotion, to getting the book up and running with Amazon distribution in both print and kindle-ready formats, to having physical copies shipped to your door and ready to read.

I offer editing, interior book design and layout, indy publishing and consultation services. I can work either in a one-off capacity or take you through the whole start-to-finish process of independent publishing. My rates are:

Editing

Introductory Critique: Written critique of mss first 10 pages (double spaced) assessing style, marketability, and effectiveness. Includes follow up consultation by phone or email. Please note that this service is available for novels, novellas, and narrative nonfiction only with projected final word count over 15,000 words $75

Content Edit: A chapter-by-chapter analysis of manuscript content with generous guidance on points of revision and lessons on relevant aspects of craft. $.02 per word.

Annotated Line Editing: A low-level, detailed critique provided through line-by-line annotations, first-pass proofing, and chapter-by-chapter summary suggestions to bring out the best in voice and structure. $.025 per word.

Manuscript Consultation: Ongoing editorial feedback and development support through notes, e-mail, Skype or phone discussion. $50 per hour.

Services may be combined at reduced rates. Feel free to ask me about this directly.

Layout for Publication

Services aimed to get your book’s interior into print-ready format run $40/hr and generally take between 10 and 20 hours depending on the size of the book and the complexity of design. Note that I typically do not offer cover design services. I have relationships with some killer designers in the business who I can recommend, or I will happily work with a design/designer of your own.

Amazon print and kindle-ready

Get your manuscript hosted on Amazon and available for print and kindle distribution. This service runs $40/hr and generally takes 5-10 hours depending on proofing and revisions. Does not include proofing costs, which are typically between $5 – $10 per proof copy with shipping.

Other Consultation Services

My rates for all other writing, design, and publishing services (including website, social media, marketing, networking, and workshopping) run $50/hr.

I know my weaknesses. I’m not a marketing/publicity strategist so I don’t offer these services, but I can put you in touch with experts in the field. Also I’m not the world’s best proofreader (spelling and typos), so if you want absolute pristine proofreading services I can connect you with some eagle-eyed geniuses.

Testimonials

“Josh Wagner did great work for me and my manuscripts. He’s patient, competent and made the whole process easy for me. I always feel I still owe him. I always want to pile on heaps of gratitude.”

-David Allan Cates; Hunger in America, Tom Connor’s Gift

“Josh is a godsend! If you are looking to publish your book independently and don’t know how nor have the time to tackle the technology…then call Josh. He will guide through formatting, layout, cover design, account set-up and editing. He makes sure that your book looks like anything you would pick up on a shelf at Barnes and Noble. He is easy to work with and reasonably priced.”

Full Issues

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About Me

Josh was living out of his truck in the middle of the desert with his dog Lucyfurr when he wrote his first graphic novel, Fiction Clemens. Since then he’s traveled all over the planet, spinning stories out of what he finds.
Outside of comics Josh is the author of six books: Nothing in Mind, Shapes the Sunlight Takes, Mystery Mark, Smashing Laptops, Deadwind Sea, and The Adventures of the Imagination of Periphery Stowe, screenplays, poetry and short fiction. As co-owner of Viscosity Theatre, an experimental theatre company based out of Missoula, MT, Josh has written and produced several plays (including Salep & Silk, Ringing Out, Bleach Bone, and Love Causes Cancer).
In his spare moments he reads too much, gets lost in the woods, and dances until they kick him out of the bar. He blogs and promotes the arts at NothingInMind.com, lives half his life in Montana and the other half on the road.